Device for the installation of signalization spheres on lightning rod cables of transmission lines, and method for the installation of signalization spheres on lightning rod cables of transmission lines by using said device

ABSTRACT

The present invention refers to a device ( 10 ) of installation of signalization spheres and verification of the status of lightning rod cable ( 110 ), comprising a supporting structure ( 12 ), consisting of two bases equidistant, parallel to each other  14, 16,  linked each other by axial segments ( 18, 20, 22  and  24 ), said axial segments ( 20  and  24 ) acting as supports for activation engines ( 26  and  28 ), respectively, an earthing and idler tension system comprising a structure ( 30 ) formed by two parallel rods ( 32  and  34 ) that move along the vertical direction linked to two bases equidistant and parallel to each other ( 14, 16 ) in its intermediate portion through axis ( 22 ), in its superior extremity through axis ( 36 ) and presenting in its inferior extremity slots ( 38 ) for the introduction of an axis ( 40 ) of a wheel ( 42 ), said first axial segment ( 22 ) being equipped in its intermediate portion with a threaded rod ( 44 ) which is linked it its inferior extremity to the said axial segment ( 22 ) of said bases  14, 16,  superiorly equipped with a crank ( 48 ) and spring ( 50 ), a fork ( 52 ) articulated over pivot ( 46 ) to the external part of said bases ( 14, 16 ) whereto are projected the feeding system ( 54 ), an inclined structure ( 60 ) consisting of two bases equidistant to each other ( 62  and  64 ) linked to each other by four axial segments ( 66, 68, 70  and  72 ), the latter acting as a support for the tightening and loosening tool ( 74 ), presents in its terminal portion a coupling prism ( 56 ), still suspended internally and externally by bars ( 76, 78  and  80, 82 ) respectively and equidistant to each other by the axial segments ( 70  and  68, 18, 84 ), noting that on segment ( 84 ) in its intermediate portion, accommodates cupping glass 86, and still in the posterior part the parallel bases ( 14  and  16 ) are projected the circuits of reception of telecommands ( 88 ).  
     Moreover, through the present invention a method for the installation of signalization spheres ( 100 ) on energized transmission lines is provided.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an unmanned mobile device which,by means of remote control, makes it possible to install signalizationspheres on transmission lines' lightning rod cables, with the lineconnected, the sweeping of the cable mentioned for maintenance purposes,as well as a method for installation of signalization spheres ontransmission lines' lightning rod cables using the device mentioned.

STATE OF THE ART

[0002] The method for the transportation of large blocks of electricpower through long distances is done by means of transmission lines thatextend to several kilometers within countries. Those power lines arelifted by towers that support themselves by means of spands, crossingrivers, railroads, roadways, or other transmission lines, and that mayreach heights considerably elevated above the ground.

[0003] Due to these and other factors that affect the visibility oftransmission lines, those lines represent a hazard situation foraircrafts.

[0004] In order to reduce the danger involved, the so-called linesignals have been developed which, due to their size and color, providesignalization to aircraft operators, alerting them about the presence ofrivers, railroads, or other transmission lines. In a recent past, linesignals have been installed at strategic distances, along transmissionline spans that extend between support towers, so that those elementscan become more visible to aircraft operators flying nearby.

[0005] Although there are a significant number of accidents involvingaircraft bumping with transmission lines, spherical signals have seldombeen used so far, not only due to the high cost involving theirinstallation in existing lines, but mainly because of the difficultyregarding their installation itself. The difficulty and cost ofinstallation result from the inaccessibility to the installations, thehigh voltage that they can transmit and the existing and available linesignals themselves, which, for the purposes of a faultless installation,require disconnection of the current flow along the lines, and removalof the lightning rods of the towers or sending manpower and equipment tothe towers and lines, so that it will be possible to provide theinstallation of the line signals. That is a time-consuming procedure, aswell as difficult, costly, and most dangerous, and considering thereasons mentioned above, regarded as prohibitive in several locations.

[0006] As it is the knowledge of technicians on the subject,disconnecting high tension lines to install signalization spheres isbecoming more difficult every day due to power shortage, as mostcircuits operate within their limits and a unscheduled disconnectioncould cause a general overload in all circuits, which could induce to ablackout of national proportions.

[0007] In the light of the problems presented, new alternativetechniques have been developed in order to make it possible theoperation with the circuits connected, works with live lines, avoidingthus large power blocks breaks for consumers.

[0008] Basically, three techniques are known so far for the installationof signalization spheres in transmission lines, those are, the use ofthe sliding chair on the lightning rod cable technique, the lowering oflightning rod cables until reaching the phases technique and thehelicopters technique.

[0009] After several fatal accidents, all power companies are abrogatingthe use of the sliding chair technique or any other technique for whichthe electrician must walk along the lightning rod cable, once the cablesometimes would break during the walk, as line electricians had noconditions to accurately assess lightning rod cable conditions.

[0010] Nowadays, although the lightning rod cables lowering untilreaching the phases and the helicopter techniques are being used, theuse of signalization sphere installation by means of helicopters, evenif that depends on perfect weather and wind conditions, is becoming thebest option. Even though both costs are relatively high, the cablelowering technique bears an additional disadvantage, that is, thenecessary disconnection of circuits.

[0011] There is thus the need to provide the installation ofsignalization spheres, unmanned, movable that, by means of remotecontrol, will make it possible the installation of signalization sphereson transmission line lightning rod cables, as well as the sweeping ofthe same for maintenance purposes, with the line connected, of asignalization sphere for transmission lines lightning rod cables thatwill adapt to the operation of the mentioned device, as well as a methodfor the installation of signalization spheres on transmission lineslightning rod cables using the aforementioned device.

ABSTRACT OF THE INVENTION

[0012] With a view to solving the problems previously listed, inaccordance with the first concretization of the present invention, anunmanned device, movable and activated by radio control is provided;developed for the installation of signalization spheres and the checkingof lightning rod cable conditions, including a structure of supportwhich consists of two equidistant and parallel bases, connected by axialsegments that serve as supports for the activation engines,respectively, a grounding and traction system made of a structurecomposed of two parallel rods connected by axial segments, showing ontheir lower end slots for the introduction of a wheel shaft, calledfirst axial segment, having in its middle section a threaded rodconnected on its lower end to the axial segment of the bases mentionedabove, presenting an upper handle and a spring, a movable fork on theexternal part of the bases on which projects the feeding movable forkdescending and balanced, an ascending vertical structure invertedU-shaped, connected externally to a tilted structure to the front partof the bases, having two bars for receiving by fixation of a tighteningand loosening tool and showing on their final section a coupling prismwith a square hollow inside.

[0013] The present invention still uses a sphere projected to beinstalled by helicopters with the purpose to be driven (pushed) to thelocation of installation and fitted by an unmanned, movable deviceactivated by remote control, including two semi-spheres, one verticalshaft furnished with a tightening eyelet on its upper end connected onthe lower part to one of the semi-sphere support which when connected bya walrus-type connector form a conduit for purposes of lightning boltsystem fitting.

[0014] Moreover according to a second concretization of the presentinvention, a sphere installation method on energized transmission linesis provided, which means that it is not necessary the disconnection ofthe mentioned lines. This method does not use a helicopter-type vehicle,reducing significantly the costs if compared to the methods usednowadays, once no freighting or rent of a super or large-sized equipmentis necessary for the performance of that installation, regardless ofwind conditions, nor does it causes any losses to power companies, whichwould be generated by the break of energy supply. The method, accordingto the second concretization of the present invention, comprises thefollowing stages:

[0015] Fitting of signalization sphere through the side span existingbetween the two semi-spheres on the lightning rod cable, until thelightning rod cable is inside and not fastened to the walrus-typeconnector, so that the signalization sphere will be ready to be movedwithout the risk of falling along the lightning rod cable.

[0016] Fitting of the device upstream from the signalization sphere,laying the device on the lightning rod cable that will be in contactwith the two activating engines of the installation device, fitting thewheel in the slot through the shaft notch, so that the device groundingcan be made, once the wheel is made of metallic conductive material andall the other components of the device are insulated.

[0017] Fitting of the fork on the external part of the bases by means ofa pivot, furnished with the feeding system;

[0018] Coupling of the vertical shaft eyelet end of the sphere insidethe device coupling prism and the fixing of safety cupping-glass.

[0019] Activating the device by means of a remote control transmitteractivated by activating forward/backward engines, taking it to theappropriate location of the sphere;

[0020] Rotating wrench-wise, by means of remote control, in theobjective location of the installation of the tightening and looseningtool. The tightening will operate on the vertical shaft end of thesphere providing the closing of the walrus-type connector on thelightening rod cable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0021] These objectives, features and advantages of the presentinvention, will become more distinct if examined with the detaileddescription that follows, when they will be considered as a whole withthe drawings that are attached to this report.

[0022]FIG. 1 represents a perspective view of the device and sphere,during an installation operation of the lightning rod cable signal.

[0023]FIG. 2 represents a lateral view of the device.

[0024]FIG. 3 represents a front view of the device already assembled onthe lightening rod cable, where we can distinctly notice the couplingprism of the shaft.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] As we can gather from the Figures where equal number referencesidentify correspondent parts, the installation device and the checkingof the lightning rod cable conditions, in accordance with a firstconcretization of the present invention, generally indicated by numericreference 10, comprises a structure of support 12 which consists of twoequidistant and parallel bases between themselves, 14 and 16, connectedby axial segments 18, 20, 22 and 24, axial segments 20 and 24 serving assupports for activating engines 26 and 28, respectively, a grounding andtraction system comprised of a structured 30 formed by two parallel rods32 and 34 which move vertically and are connected to two equidistant andparallel bases between themselves, 14 and 16, in their middle sectionthrough shaft 22, on their upper end through shaft 36 and showing on itslower end slots 38 for the introduction of a shaft 40 of a wheel 42,aforesaid first axial segment 22 being furnished in its middle sectionwith a threaded rod 44 which is connected on its lower end to theaforesaid axial segment 22 of the bases 14, 16, furnished on the upperside of a crank 48 and spring 50, a fork 52 articulated on pivot 46 onthe external part of the aforesaid bases 14, 16, on which is projectedthe feeding system 54, a tilted structure 60 consisting of twoequidistant bases 62 and 64 connected by four axial segments 66, 68, 70and 72, the latter serving as support to the tightening and looseningtool 74, shows in its terminal portion a coupling prism 56 and stillhoisted internally and externally by bars 76, 78, 80, 82, respectively,equidistant by axial segments 70 and 68, 18, 84, the middle part of thelatter holding cupping glass 86 and still on the posterior part theparallel bases 14 and 16 the remote control reception circuit boxes areprojected-commands 88.

[0026] As we can see in FIGS. 1 and 2 a sphere is provided for linesignals purposes, generally indicated by numeric reference 100,comprising two semi-spheres 102, 104, fitted on their side terminalswith plastic projections 108 that, when connected, make a unit for thefitting on the lightning rod cable 110, a vertical shaft 112 fitted withan eyelet 114 on its upper end, connected on its lower part to a support118 of the semi-sphere 104, the aforesaid vertical shaft connected to awalrus-type connector 120.

[0027] Still according to the Second concretization of the presentinvention, a method for the installation of signal spheres in energizedtransmission lines is provided. The method includes the followingstages:

[0028] Fitting of signalization sphere 100 through the side span 116existing between the two semi-spheres 102, 104 on the lightning rodcable 110, until the lightning rod cable is inside and not fastened tothe walrus-type connector 120, so that the signalization sphere will beready to be moved without the risk of falling along the lightning rodcable 110.

[0029] Fitting of the device 10 upstream against the aforesaid perfectedsignalization sphere 100, laying the device on the lightning rod cablethat will be in contact with activating engines 26 and 28 of theaforesaid installation device 10, fitting the wheel 42 in the slot 38through the shaft notch 40, so that the device 10 grounding can be made,once the wheel is made of metallic conductive material and all the othercomponents of the device are insulated.

[0030] Fitting of the fork 52 on the external part of the bases 14, 16by means of a pivot 46, and the feeding system 54;

[0031] Coupling of the coupling prism end 56 to horizontal shaft 112 ofthe sphere 100 at the end of eyelet 114 of device 10.

[0032] Activation of the device 10 by a remote control transmitter bymeans of the forward/backward engines 26, 28, leading it to theappropriate location for the installation of the sphere 100;

[0033] Wrench-wise rotation, by means of remote control, at theobjective location of the installation, of the tightening and looseningtool 74, which tightening will operate in the eyelet 114 of the verticalshaft end 112, providing the closing of the walrus-type connector 120 onthe lightening rod cable 110.

[0034] As we can see in FIGS. 1 and 2, a cupping-glass 86 is providedand coupled to shaft 84 that is located on the front part of device 10that will stick to the external surface of the signal sphere by contactsuction, as well as a video camera 106 in order to sweep the lighteningrod cable 110 for maintenance purposes.

[0035] If the checking of the conditions of the lightening rod cable 110becomes necessary, in the same way it had been assembled before, thedevice 10 will be used to travel all the length of interest of thelightening rod cable 110, once it has a video camera 106 coupled to therod 90, the aforesaid video camera 106 will monitor the signal sphere100 installation operations and traveling that length will provide allnecessary information of the cable real condition for a possiblemaintenance.

[0036] It is important to notice that the make of the remote controlused for this invention is a Futaba model FP-T4NTBF, although thisinvention is not restricted to this one only. Moreover, the tension ofbattery 54 (12 volts) is transferred to the activating engines 26 and 28and to the tightening and loosening tool 74 by means of a parallel cordto the control boxes 88 and, although the invention is not restricted tothis one, the control boxes are formed by a Fatuba FPR 127-DF receptor,with two S 3003 servomechanisms and a feeding unit that after receivingthe commands activate the two forward/backward engines 26 and 28 and thetightening and loosening tool 74 that shows a torque device manned bythe user.

[0037] As it has been mentioned before, this method uses signalizationspheres 100, adequate for helicopters that have an eyelet 114 at the endof the vertical shaft 112 and, when it moves, it displaces thewalrus-type connector 120, as it can be seen in FIG. 2. If the movementof the tightening and loosening tool 74 is towards the tightening, thewalrus-type connector 120 will be displaced at the closing of thelateral span 116 existing between the two semi-spheres 102 and 104, thatform the afore mentioned signal sphere 100 and therefore, the wrenchingof the walrus-type connector 120 on lightening rod cable 110.

[0038] Also worth highlighting is, in the assembly of the metallicconductive wheel 42 on slot 38 in order to provide the earthing of thedevice 10, idler tension control is provided as well; noting, also,that, in order to surpass sharp-edged acclivities and declivities, it isnecessary, in such case, to operate on the crank 48, which, through thevertical axis 44, supported bent over fixed axis 22, suspends the entiremobile array compounded by mobile rods 32 and 34 in the mobile axis 36fixed in its upper part by tightening the wheel 48 over lightning-rodcable 110, where spring 50 of such array operates as a dampener.

[0039] Finally, concretizations above described of the invention areintended to be illustrative only. Numerous alternative concretizationscan be described by those technical experts on such matter withoutescaping the scope of the claims below.

1- Device (10) of installation of signalization spheres and verificationof the status of lightning-rod cable (110), characterized by the fact ofcomprehending a supporting structure (12), consisting of two basesequidistant and parallel one another (14, 16), linked one another byaxial segments (18, 20, 22 and 24), the mentioned axial segments (20 and24) serving as supports for the activating engines (26 and 28)respectively, an earthing and idler tension system comprised of astructure (30) formed by two parallel rods (32 and 34), which move inthe horizontal direction internally on axis (22) and inked to two basesequidistant and parallel one another (14, 16), linked one another byaxial segment (36), and featuring in its lower extremity slots (38) forintroduction of an axis (40) of a wheel (42), said first axial segment(22) being equipped in its intermediate portion with a threaded rod(44), which links in its lower extremity to the said axial segment (22)of said bases (14, 16), equipped in its upper side with a crank (48) andspring (50), a fork (52) articulated to the outer part of said bases(14, 16), whereto are projected the feeding system (54), an inclinedstructure (60) consisted of two bases equidistant one another (62 and64) linked one another by four axial segments (66, 68, 70 and 72), thelatter acting as a support for the tightening and loosening tool (74),presents in its terminal portion a coupling prism (56), and alsosuspended both internally and externally by bars (76, 78 and 80, 82),respectively, and equidistant one another by axial segments (70 and 68,18, 84), nothing that in segment (84) in its intermediate portion,accommodates the cupping glass (86), and, also in the portion posteriorto parallel bases (14 and 16), the boxes of the circuits of reception oftelecommands (88) are projected. 2- Device (10), according to claim 1,is characterized by the fact that coupled to axis (84) and rod (90),respectively, are provided: one cupping glass (86), which is located onthe anterior portion of device (10), which comes to adhere to the outersurface of the signalization sphere by contact suction, and one videocamera (106) for the follow-up of operations of installations of thesignalization sphere, as well as to effect a sweeping on the lightningrod cables (110) for the sake of maintenance. 3- Device (10), accordingto claim 1, is characterized by the fact that the earthing and idlertension array, also assembled with the feeding system (54) fitted intopivot (46), operates as a pendulum, being responsible for the wholebalance of the array. 4- Device (10), according to claim 1, ischaracterized by the fact that said wheel (42) is produced from ametallic conducive material and all the other components are producedfrom isolating material. 5- Device (10), according to claim (1), ischaracterized by the fact that the tension of the said feeding system(54) is transferred to activating engines (26, 28) and to saidtightening and loosening tool (74) through control boxes (88) by meansof parallel wire. 6- Device (10), according to claim (1), ischaracterized by the fact that in the metallic conductive wheel assembly(42) in slot (38) to provide the earthing of device (10), tensioncontrol is also provided, observing that, in order to surpasssharp-edged acclivities and declivities, it is necessary, in such case,to operate crank (48), which, through vertical axis (44), bent overfixed axis (20), suspends the entire mobile array comprised of mobilerods (32 and 34) in the mobile axis (36) fixed in its posterior portionand tightening the wheel (48) over lightning rod cable (110), wherespring (50) of this array operates as a dampener. 7- Also, as can beseen from FIGS. 1 and 2, it is provided with a sphere for linesignalization, designated generally by numeric reference (100),comprising two semi-spheres (102, 104), equipped in their lateralterminals with plastic projections (108), which, when united, form aduct for the groove in the rod lightning cable (110), a vertical axis(112) equipped in its superior extremity with an eyelet (114) inferiorlylinked to a support (118) of the semi-sphere (104), said vertical axisconnected to a walrus-type connector (120). 8- Special sphere, accordingto claim 7, characterized by the fact that if the movement of the saidtightening and loosening tool (74) is made in the tightening direction,the said walrus-type connector (120) will be dislocated in the closingof the said lateral spacing (116) existing between the said twosemi-spheres (102, 104) that form the said perfected signalizationsphere (100) and, consequently, the tightening of the said walrus-typeconnector (120) on the said rod lightning cable (110). 9- Method for theinstallation of signalization spheres (100) on energized transmissionlines, characterized by the fact of comprising the following stages:placement of the signalization sphere (100) through lateral spacing(116) existing between the two semi-spheres (102, 104) on the lightningrod cable (110), until such lightning rod cable (110) is ratheraccommodated than stuck to walrus-type connector (120), as, by that way,signalization sphere (100) will be available to be transported without arisk of a fall along said lightning rod cable (110); placement of device(10) upstream, in relation to the said signalization sphere (100), byplacing the device over the lightning rod cable, which will be incontact with the two activation engines (26, 28) of the saidinstallation device (10), by placing the wheel (42) in the slot (38)through the axis groove (40), so that, this way, the earthing of device(10) is effected, as the wheel is constituted by metallic conductivematerial and all the other components of the device are made of anisolating material; groove of fork (52) in the external part of bases(14, 16) through a pivot (46), and the feeding system (54); coupling ofthe extremity of coupling prism (56) to horizontal axis (112) of thesphere (100) in the extremity of eyelet (114) to device (10); activationof device (10) by a remote-control transmitter by means of engines (26,28) of front/rear activation, conducting it towards the due site of theinstallation of the sphere (100); rotation in the tightening direction,through remote control, in the objective site of the installation, ofthe tightening and loosening tool (74), which tightening affectingeyelet (114) of the extremity of vertical axis (112), providing theclosure of the walrus-type connector (120) over the lightning rod cable(110). 10- Method, according to claim 9, characterized by the fact thatthe earthing and idler tension array of the said device (10), alsoassembled with its array with the feeding system (54) assembled in thepivot (46), acts as a pendulum, being responsible for the whole balanceof the array. 11- Method, according to claim 9, characterized by thefact that the said wheel (42) is produced from a metallic conductivematerial and all the other components are produced from isolatingmaterial. 12- Method, according to claim 9, characterized by the factthat the voltage of the said feeding system (54) is transferred towardsthe activation motors (26, 28) as well as to the said tightening andloosening tool (74) by means of parallel wires.